Why the Stormers are ‘starting to dream’ after Investec Champions Cup win as ‘excited’ John Dobson touches on absent Springboks
Imad Khan was a star man for the Stormers.
Stormers head coach John Dobson insists there is “reason to be excited” after his team began their Investec Champions Cup campaign with a 26-17 win at Bayonne.
The South African outfit, who have started the United Rugby Championship (URC) in impressive fashion, turned their attention to Europe’s flagship tournament on Friday.
Bayonne were the challenge awaiting them, and the Stormers began the game brightly, scoring inside two minutes with a breakaway try that was finished off by Imad Khan.
Dominant scrum
Speaking after their victory at Stade Jean-Dauger, head coach Dobson singled out his forward pack for their efforts as their set-piece turned the screw in the away success.
“A dominant scrum is something we’re working really hard on,” he told the Investec Champions Cup website.
What made the victory all the more impressive was the fact that the Stormers were missing several Springboks, as they were in an away URC win against Munster last weekend.
“There are some really good props who didn’t play today… and knowing what’s waiting in Cape Town – players like Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse – we’re starting to dream,” Dobson added on their squad depth.
“It’s early, but there’s reason to be excited now. It’s really exciting for the project.”
Bayonne had not lost at home this season in the Top 14, but as mentione,d they were quickly rocked onto the back foot when scrum-half Khan went over for an early lead.
The youngster certainly took his chance and admits he’s relishing these moments pulling on a Stormers jersey in big games and is also excited about the team’s future.
Super grateful
“I’m super grateful for this opportunity, so I’m really glad I could contribute positively,” he said after a Player of the Match performance.
“We’ve got good ambitions; I think this team’s got something special, so I hope we can take it far.”
Next up for the Stormers is a home game against Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle side on Saturday, December 13, before they revert back to URC action at home against the Lions.
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